Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Florianopolis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Sao Paulo or Florianopolis?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Florianopolis $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sao Paulo and Florianopolis in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Florianopolis $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Florianopolis $52
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Florianopolis
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Florianopolis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Florianopolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Florianopolis $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $114
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $76
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $138
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos <> GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $130
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Florianopolis?
Prices for flights to both Florianopolis and Sao Paulo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one daySao Paulo $15Florianopolis $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
A Quick Snack$0.44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Florianopolis $26
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $151
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3 Beaches Hiking Santo Amaro Island - Paradise Route Tour from São Paulo: $109
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $151
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $251
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Florianopolis $8.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $97
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $181
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Florianopolis, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis than you might in Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Florianopolis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Florianopolis?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Florianopolis, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Florianopolis.
In January, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florianopolis. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Florianopolis.
Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Florianopolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Florianopolis. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis in the Winter?
Both Florianopolis and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Florianopolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Florianopolis in the Spring?
Both Florianopolis and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Florianopolis. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Florianopolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.